Geschützwagen IV b für 10.5cm le.F.H. 18/1(Sf)

Plastic kit for a German Geschützwagen IVb for 10.5cm leFH 18/1(Sf) (Sd.Kfz 165/1)

• 1:35 scale
• Dimensions LxWxH (built): 162 x 83 x 73 mm
• 590 parts
• Photo-etched parts and copper wire included
• rubber tracks
• Upper hull, lower hull and turret manufactured using the slide mold process
• not built, not painted
• Paint and glue not included

In September of 1939, Krupp received a design proposal from for a purpose-built self-propelled howitzer. Unlike earlier motorized artillery, this was not an adapted or converted vehicle, but rather expressly designed for this role. A 10.5cm le.F.H.18/1 was mounted in an open-topped turret. The light field howitzer could be rotated in this turret through a 70-degree arc. The sides of the turret were tapered downward toward the rear, allowing excellent side visibility. The new vehicle, initially known as Pz.Sfl.IV b, was later designated Geschützwagen IV b für 10.5cm le.F.H. 18/1(Sf) (Sd.Kfz 165/1). Two vehicles were ordered for testing, which were delivered in January 1942. Even before that, during Fall 1941, a series of 10 of the new vehicles were ordered for troop trials.